savant

noun

sa·​vant sa-ˈvänt 

sə-, 

-ˈväⁿ;

sə-ˈvant, 

ˈsa-vənt

1

: a person of learning

especially : one with detailed knowledge in some specialized field (as of science or literature)

2

: a person affected with a developmental disability (such as autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability) who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (such as mathematics or music)

especially : autistic savant see also savant syndrome

Did you know?

Word-loving Homo sapiens will appreciate how much there is to know about savant. For one, savant comes ultimately from the Latin word sapere (“to be wise”) by way of Middle French, where savant is the present participle of savoir, meaning “to know.” Second, savant shares roots with the English words sapient (“possessing great wisdom”) and sage (“very wise”) (as well as Homo sapiens). Finally, the term is sometimes used to refer to a person who demonstrates extraordinary knowledge in a particular subject or has an extraordinary ability to perform a particular task (such as complex mathematics) but has more limited capacities in other areas.

Synonyms of savant

• scholar

Examples of savant in a Sentence

a savant in the field of medical ethics

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s been a quarter century since the mostly Canadian supergroup New Pornographers sprang from the florid imagination of Carl Newman, a pop savant with an angel’s voice and switchblade wit. —Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026

After purchasing his first HG Timepiece hourglass, made by storied designer Marc Newson, back in 2020, the watch savant and owner of Wind Vintage (and one of our Masters of Luxury) remained enamored with the piece for years. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2026

But one of California’s leading political savants, Paul Mitchell, has developed a helpful online tool to suss out the possibilities. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026

How about Viktor Hovland (also 8 under), short-game savant? —Justin Ray, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from present participle of savoir to know, from Latin sapere to be wise — more at sage

First Known Use

1719, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing savant

• autistic savant
• idiot savant
• savant syndrome

Rhymes for savant

• avant
• croissant
• detente
• entente
• storefront
• commandant
• confidant
• conodont
• debutante
• nonchalant
• restaurant
• daunt

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Kids Definition

savant

noun

sa·​vant sa-ˈvänt 

-ˈvän;

sə-ˈvant, 

ˈsav-ənt

1

: scholar sense 2b

2

: a person affected with a developmental disorder (such as autism or intellectual disability) who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (such as mathematics or music)

Etymology

from French savant, a form of the verb savoir "to know," from Latin sapere "to be wise, taste, have good taste" — related to insipid, sage entry 1

Medical Definition

savant

noun

sa·​vant sa-ˈvänt, sə-, -ˈvant 

: a person affected with a developmental disorder (as autism or intellectual disability) who exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance in some limited field (as mathematics or music)

especially : autistic savant see savant syndrome